Washing Machines, Water Heaters and Other Surprise Flooding Causes

If you’re like most people, the last thing you’re planning for is a flood inside your home – but it could happen sooner than you think. Aside from storm damage that causes flooding, there are plenty of other issues that can cause your home to flood, including:

Washing machine hoses

Hot water heaters

Broken pipes

Clogged rain gutters

Malfunctioning appliances

A flood does more than damage your home, too – it can be extremely hard to cope with emotionally.

Washing Machine Hoses

If your washing machine hose has a bulge in it, it’s time to replace it. That’s true if it’s older but doesn’t have a bulge, too. If your washer is leaking, makes excessive noise or doesn’t fill up properly when you turn it on, it might be time for a replacement to prevent a catastrophe.

Hot Water Heaters

If you spot water on the floor around your water heater, or if you see rust on the outside of it, it could mean the unit is about to fail. When you notice a lack of hot water, popping or rumbling noises coming from the unit, or the hot water coming from your tap looks cloudy, it’s time to call in a professional to prevent a flood.

Broken Pipes

Pipes break for many reasons, including freezing (but in some cases, you can thaw them yourself), age, blockage and intruding tree roots. If you suspect your pipes are old, or if you think there’s a blockage, you should call a plumber before the situation gets out of hand.

Clogged Rain Gutters

When your gutters are clogged, water can’t travel from the top of your house to the ground below – and that most likely means it’s contained against your house. If you see visible overflow when it’s raining or the snow is melting, or when your gutters are sagging, it’s important to call out a professional who can fix the issue before water makes its way into your attic.

Malfunctioning Appliances

There are five appliances responsible for many of the flood damage cases we see:

Refrigerators

Dishwashers

Washing machines

Water heaters

Toilets

The water that comes from these types of floods isn’t usually drinking-quality. In fact, it’s either gray water or black water, and both can be hazardous to your health.